Yisroel R.

The Village of Spring Valley has been awarded a $242,620 state grant for recreational improvements at Unity Park, located at 24 Hoyt Street, marking a significant investment in one of the village’s public recreational spaces as part of a major statewide funding initiative announced Tuesday by Governor Kathy Hochul.

The funding will allow the village to enhance the existing recreational space at Unity Park, providing an opportunity to improve outdoor facilities for local children and families. The grant comes as part of Hochul’s $67.5 million NY PLAYS initiative, which will support the construction, expansion, and renovation of playgrounds across New York State.

Spring Valley Deputy Mayor Yisroel Eisenbach welcomed the announcement, expressing excitement about the improvements planned for Unity Park and his hopes for additional investments throughout the village.

“We are very excited about this grant and are looking forward to seeing the improvements and enhancements at Unity Park,” Deputy Mayor Yisroel Eisenbach told Rockland Daily. “This is another important improvement for the Village, and we are hopeful that this will not be the last, but the first of several additional grants and projects that will continue improving Spring Valley for our residents.”

Spring Valley is among 89 recipients of the statewide funding, which will support 36 new playgrounds, 23 major expansions, and 30 renovations across all 10 regions of New York. The $67.5 million in grants will support projects representing more than $145 million in total investment, with over $36 million directed toward underserved communities.

“Playgrounds give children a place to be active, build friendships and connect with the world around them,” Governor Hochul said. “Through NY PLAYS, we are investing in communities across our state and creating more safe, accessible places where children of all abilities can get outside and play.”

The initiative is part of Hochul’s broader Unplug and Play program, which encourages children and families to spend less time on electronic devices and more time outdoors, promoting physical activity and social interaction.

The newly awarded funding will help Spring Valley move forward with improvements at Unity Park, adding to the village’s efforts to improve public recreational spaces and provide more opportunities for residents and their families to enjoy the outdoors.